Fun Football​​​​​​​

7th & 8th Grades

Fun Football is a New Zealand Football mandated programme that is part of the evolution of football in New Zealand.  It is part of the ‘Whole of Football Plan’ (WOFP) encompassing the entire junior and senior spectrum of football in New Zealand.  Fun Football is for players turning 7 years old (7th grade) or 8 years old (8th grade) in the year of play.


What can I expect?

Your son or daughter is placed into a team following the registration period, and typically will be in this team for the duration of the season.  It is expected that a coach (or two people sharing this role) will volunteer from within the group of parents/guardians.  We also encourage someone else to volunteer to assist in a team management role.

During the season a typical Saturday morning commences with Fit4Football activities led by the team coach to practice good warm-up techniques and improve motor control and stability.  The team players will then rotate through other grids (organised by other team coaches) and complete a series of skills training sessions, finishing thereafter with one or two small inter-club games.


Who trains the players?

Coaches and Managers are volunteers from the parent body.  We endeavour to support coaches and managers with resources and insights, and link them with opportunities to upskill through Central Football as they become available.

Training exercises are assigned to the coach during the week prior to the game day to give them time to prepare.  Each coach is tasked to lead a single activity with each of the rotating teams as their own team rotates through each of the stations as parents/caregivers and supporters look on (and assist as required). 


How do I become a coach?

Simply put your name forward - email us at info@ruahineafc.co.nz; and/or note your interest on your child's registration form.  You can register on the 'Join Us' tab.  Please don't be offended by the request for a Police vetting check.


When do we train/play?

On a Saturday morning for 1½ hours at Monrad Park, corner of Highbury and Ronberg Streets.  There will likely be ‘away’ games several times throughout the season (e.g. Feilding, Ashhurst).​

7th Graders play 10:00am-11.45am

8th Graders play 8:15am-10:00am​

The second and last weekend of school holidays typically don't have game days, but we'll keep you informed.


Do we have mid-week practices?

This is optional as training is conducted every Saturday morning.  Some teams choose to have additional practice mid-week subject to the availability of coaches.    Parents should remain on-site during scheduled practices.


When does the season start?

The season start and finish dates can vary slightly year on year, but typically starts with the first game day on the first Saturday of term two (a week after the school holidays), and finishes around mid-August.


Cancellations and Postponements

For cancellations and postponements, in the first instance please check:

How do I register?

It's easier than ever... simply go to 'Join Us' and complete the registration form.  Fees are collected through our registraion process by credit card or bank transfer.  And if you've got more than one child playing with us don't forget to apply for a family rebate.​​​​​​​

Please, please give some thought to how you can support Ruahine AFC and the fantastic community we have.  We are always looking for helpers (whether you can spare an hour or a number more).  You can email us any time or fill out how you can help on the registration page.

How much does it cost?

Check out our playng fees under the Join Us tab.  We have set-up our fee structure to try and help out families who have more than one child playing football with Ruahine AFC, and offer the opportunity to apply for a family rebate (discount) for all children who are from the same household (or you can choose to donate this for someone else in hardship).

​​​​​​​We believe in children in playing sports and how important it is for their development, and so if you're in hardship please contact us in confidence and we'll do our best to support you and your child.

What sort of kit do I need for my child to play?

Ruahine AFC supply a playing top for the season, which must be returned at the end of the season in near the same condition as provided.  We've put together a few care instructions and ask that you take due care and responsibility.  Other than this, all children will need to wear our Royal Navy blue shorts and socks, and shin pads. You can find kit at Rebel Sports and Stirling Sports, but we encourage you also to purchase these through our club store (on-line).